Vance McAllister, Foster Campbell lead in Louisiana campaigns

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell of Elm Grove has to be feeling pretty good these days.

The Kitchens Group conducted a poll in his PSC District 5, which includes 24 parishes across north Louisiana. Here is its conclusion:

“Foster Campbell has the most favorable image of any political figure tested in this survey, including Bobby Jindal, Mary Landrieu, and David Vitter.

“Overall, Commissioner Campbell receives a 59% favorable rating and a 15% unfavorable rating, representing a positive to negative ratio of 3.9 to 1. Furthermore, he is viewed favorably by every subgroup, including Republicans.

“Commissioner Campbell’s opponent (Keith Gates) is unknown to 87% of the electorate.

“Foster Campbell is given credit from the voters for standing up for the people against the big utility companies, with 57% more likely to support him for this reason. A majority of voters also believe that Foster Campbell will stand up for what is right, no matter who is on the other side of an issue.

“Foster Campbell is in a strong position to win re-election. He receives strong support from Democrats, but also has the support of a majority of independents and ticket splitters, while receiving significant support from Republican voters in this district.”

The poll surveyed 600 likely voters between July 29 and August 2. The margin of error is +/-4%.

Campbell, a Democrat, is seeking a third six-year term in the election on November 4. He has one announced opponent, Republican Keith Gates.

Vance looking for victory – again

Republican U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister, who represents the 5th Congressional District, is hoping he can pull off another victory this fall and survive the scandal where he was caught on tape kissing one of his staffers in his Monroe office.

A new poll, conducted by veteran pollster Darrell Glascock of the Glascock Group, shows McAllister leading a lengthy field of candidates. But it will not be an easy road to victory for the embattled congressman.

Here are the results:

U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister (R) – 27%.

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo (D) – 21%.

Dr. Ralph Abraham (R) – 18%.

Pharmaceutical Rep Zach Dasher (R) – 14%.

Attorney Ed Tarpley (R) – 9%.

Businessman Harris Brown (R) – 6%.

Libertarian Clay Grant – 5%.

When those surveyed were asked who they would vote for if McAllister was in a runoff with one of the other candidates, 36% said the other candidate and 35% said McAllister. Thirty-six percent said they wanted to wait and see who the other candidate was.